in Catawba County
Health Plans of NC helps residents of Hickory, North Carolina compare all 8 available Medicare plans for 2026 at no cost, with access to top local health systems including Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center.
Hickory, North Carolina has a population of 43,747, and approximately 7,000 residents, representing 16.6% of the city, are eligible for Medicare coverage in 2026. Local health systems including Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center accept Medicare patients across a wide range of medical specialties and ongoing care needs. Hickory beneficiaries can choose from several Medicare coverage structures including Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO plans, a Dual Special Needs Plan, standalone Part D prescription drug coverage, and Medicare Supplement plans that work alongside Original Medicare.
Plan Name | Type | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Blue Medicare Medical Only | HMO-POS | $0.00/month |
Blue Medicare Essential | HMO | $0.00/month |
Blue Medicare Essential Plus | HMO-POS | $0.00/month |
Blue Medicare Enhanced | HMO-POS | $30.00/month |
Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced | PPO | $35.00/month |
Blue Medicare Freedom+ | HMO-POS | $0.00/month |
Healthy Blue Medicare (D-SNP) | HMO-POS | $0.00/month |
Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP | PDP | $163.20/month |
Medicare Advantage HMO plans in Hickory, North Carolina provide coordinated care through a defined local network that includes providers affiliated with Catawba Valley Medical Center.
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS plans in Hickory, North Carolina offer the structured benefits of an HMO with added flexibility to seek care outside the network in certain situations.
Medicare Advantage PPO plans in Hickory, North Carolina allow beneficiaries to see providers both inside and outside the plan network, including specialists at Frye Regional Medical Center.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans in Hickory, North Carolina work alongside Original Medicare and are accepted by any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, including local Hickory health systems.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans in Hickory, North Carolina provide standalone prescription coverage that can be paired with Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan.
Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) in Hickory, North Carolina are designed for residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, offering coordinated benefits through a single plan.
Blue Cross NC offers 8 Medicare plans in Hickory, North Carolina for 2026, covering HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, D-SNP, and standalone Part D prescription drug plan structures. Each plan connects beneficiaries to local provider networks that include facilities and specialists affiliated with major Hickory health systems, and plan types range from zero-premium options to plans with modest monthly costs offering enhanced benefits. Health Plans of NC can review every available 2026 plan side by side with Hickory residents to identify which plan name, type, and network best fits their care preferences.
Blue Medicare Medical Only, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, provides hospital and medical coverage through a local network connected to Hickory-area providers.
Blue Medicare Essential, HMO, $0.00 per month, offers coordinated care through a defined network with access to providers affiliated with Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center.
Blue Medicare Essential Plus, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, combines HMO structure with limited out-of-network access for Hickory, North Carolina beneficiaries seeking added flexibility.
Blue Medicare Enhanced, HMO-POS, $30.00 per month, provides an elevated benefits package through a local Hickory provider network for beneficiaries seeking richer coverage.
Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, PPO, $35.00 per month, gives Hickory residents the broadest provider access of any Blue Cross NC Medicare Advantage option, including out-of-network coverage.
Blue Medicare Freedom+, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, is a zero-premium plan available in Hickory, North Carolina with local network coverage through Blue Cross NC.
Healthy Blue Medicare D-SNP, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, is designed for Hickory residents who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid and need coordinated dual-eligible benefits.
Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP, standalone Part D prescription drug plan, $163.20 per month, provides prescription drug coverage for Hickory residents enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan.
In 2026, Medicare Advantage plans available in Hickory, North Carolina through Blue Cross NC range from $0.00 per month for plans such as Blue Medicare Essential and Blue Medicare Freedom+ up to $35.00 per month for the Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, making zero-premium options accessible to many local seniors. The standalone Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP prescription drug plan carries a monthly premium of $163.20 for residents who need drug coverage separate from a Medicare Advantage plan. With a median household income of $63,361 in Hickory, many residents may fall within the income thresholds for cost-reduction programs like Extra Help or Medicare Savings Programs, and Health Plans of NC can assess eligibility at no cost.
Part A: $0 premium for most Hickory, North Carolina residents who paid Medicare taxes for 10 or more years. The Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 in 2026.
Part B: $202.90 per month standard premium in 2026, an increase from $185.00 in 2025. Higher-income residents pay more through income-related monthly adjustment amounts.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap): $80 to $300 or more per month depending on plan letter and age, covers gaps not paid by Original Medicare.
Blue Cross NC is the Medicare carrier serving Hickory, North Carolina in 2026, offering a total of 8 plans across the area. These plans span multiple structures including HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, D-SNP, and standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plan options, giving Hickory beneficiaries a range of coverage approaches to consider. Blue Cross NC plan networks in Hickory connect directly to local health systems and hospitals, meaning the plan a resident selects determines which facilities and affiliated specialists are covered at the lowest in-network cost. For seniors managing ongoing conditions or relying on specialist access within Catawba County, choosing a plan whose network aligns with their preferred providers at Catawba Valley Medical Center or Frye Regional Medical Center is especially important. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC Medicare plan in Hickory side by side at no cost, helping residents identify the best fit for their health needs and financial situation.
Blue Cross NC, offering HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, D-SNP, and Part D Prescription Drug Plan types, with 8 total Medicare plans available in Hickory, North Carolina for 2026.
Hickory, North Carolina has an uninsured rate of 12.2% and a poverty rate of 16.9%, meaning a significant share of local residents may qualify for federal and state programs that reduce Medicare costs. Extra Help, also known as the Low Income Subsidy, can reduce or eliminate Part D prescription drug plan premiums and cost-sharing for qualifying Hickory residents based on income and asset limits. Medicare Savings Programs administered through NC Medicaid can cover the Part B premium entirely for eligible low-income seniors, and Hickory residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid may enroll in the Healthy Blue Medicare D-SNP plan for coordinated dual-eligible coverage. Health Plans of NC agents check eligibility for every available assistance program at no cost, ensuring Hickory seniors do not leave money-saving benefits on the table.
Extra Help and the Low Income Subsidy program can reduce Part D prescription drug plan costs to near zero for qualifying Hickory, North Carolina residents who meet federal income and asset guidelines.
Medicare Savings Programs in North Carolina can cover the monthly Part B premium for low-income Hickory seniors who meet state eligibility requirements.
The Healthy Blue Medicare D-SNP plan is available in Hickory for residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid and need a single coordinated plan to manage their benefits.
NC Medicaid may provide additional coverage and cost assistance for low-income Hickory, North Carolina residents alongside their Medicare benefits.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents can screen Hickory, North Carolina residents for every available financial assistance program at no cost and assist with application and enrollment.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Hickory, North Carolina residents at no cost, comparing every available 2026 Medicare plan side by side and guiding beneficiaries through enrollment, plan changes, and financial assistance programs. Call 800-797-0327 to speak with a local Medicare expert who can help you find the right coverage for your health needs and budget.
Call 800-797-0327 (toll free) or 704-303-8256 to speak with a licensed Medicare agent and schedule a free appointment
Email [email protected] with questions about Medicare plans available in Hickory, North Carolina
Find a licensed agent and book directly at healthplansofnc.com/agents
No cost, no pressure. Walk-ins by appointment only, phone and email welcome anytime.
Enrolled in Part A and Part B? Get more with Blue Medicare Supplement Original Medicare only covers some of your medical costs. That’s why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) offers reliable Medicare Supplement plans to help lessen the worries over what Medicare doesn’t cover.
• Coverage for the costs not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B) • The freedom to see any Medicare-participating provider nationwide that accepts Medicare • Rates as low as $31.50 per month1 • Flexibility to change plans • Fitness benefit and hearing benefit on all five plans
With some insurers, you can get locked into a plan that may not be right for you. But thanks to our exclusive Blue-to-Blue program, if your needs change over time, Blue Cross NC gives you the flexibility to switch Medicare plans:2 • Without additional medical exams • Without underwriting or additional health questions • Without any hassle
You cannot be turned down for Blue Medicare Supplement, and may not have to complete a medical questionnaire, if you meet all of the following criteria: • You are age 65 or older, or under age 65 and are eligible for Medicare due to disability3 • You enroll within six months of enrolling in Medicare Part B • You are not covered by certain Medicaid programs • You are a resident of North Carolina
If you enroll early, you may be eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan without waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. If you wait until after your deadline to enroll, you may have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
Fitness memberships at in-network facilities using the designated provider. Unlimited access to the vendor’s online platform. SilverSneakers is more than a traditional fitness program. It’s a way to improve your health and live the life you want.
In the gym:
• Thousands of participating locations4 nationwide with various amenities • Ability to enroll at multiple locations at any time • SilverSneakers classes5 designed for all levels and abilities
At home or on the go: • SilverSneakers LIVE online classes and workshops led by specially trained instructors, 7 days a week • SilverSneakers On-Demand videos available 24/7 • SilverSneakers GO mobile app with personalized program resources, adjustable workout plans, and more
In your community: • Group activities and classes5 offered outside the gym
Always talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
TruHearing covers one hearing aid per ear per year for a low copay of $499 for Standard hearing aids, $699 for Advanced hearing aids or $999 for Premium hearing aids. Also, as part of the program, a TruHearing provider will help you choose the best hearing aid for your lifestyle and unique hearing needs.
Blue Cross NC is more than a health insurance company. We’re North Carolinians serving North Carolinians. For over 90 years, we’ve been in your community, giving back and listening to how we can provide access to the quality care you deserve.
• Compare plan benefits • Get a free rate quote
Notes: • For costs and further details of the coverage, including exclusions, any reductions or limitations, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force, contact your agent or the company. • Plan A: BMS A, 1/26; Plan G: BMS G, 1/26; Plan G-HD: BMS HDG, 1/26;Plan K: BMS K, 1/26; Plan N: BMS N, 1/26. • Agent/Agency is an independent authorized Agent/Agency licensed to sell and promote products from Blue Cross NC. The content contained in this site is maintained by Agent/Agency. • Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. • Policy benefits are limited to those approved by Medicare for payment.
Disclaimers: • Blue Cross NC contracts with independent companies to provide supplemental benefits. These companies are responsible for the services they provide. They do not provide Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services. Marks and trade names are property of their respective owners. This fitness program is not an insurance offering. • SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2025Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved. • TruHearing is a registered trademark of TruHearing, Inc. TruHearing is an independent company and does not offer Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services. This program may change or be discontinued at any time. This is not an insurance offering.
1 Example for a female non-smoker, age 65. Premium rates can vary based on a number of factors. Contact Blue Cross NC or your Authorized Independent Agent to learn more. 2 Blue-to-Blue is only available when you switch from one Blue Cross NC medical plan (limitations apply) to a Blue Cross NC Medicare plan. You may only switch during designated times of the year. Certain other limits apply. Contact the plan or your Authorized Independent Agent for more information. 3 Guaranteed acceptance for those under age 65 who have Medicare due to disability is limited to Plan A and Plan G. 4 Participating locations (PL) are not owned or operated by Tivity Health, Inc. or its affiliates. Use of PL facilities and amenities is limited to terms and conditions of PL basic membership. Facilities and amenities vary by PL. Inclusion of specific PLs is not guaranteed and PL participation may differ by health plan. 5 Membership includes SilverSneakers instructor-led group
®, SM are marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. All other marks and names are property of their respective owners. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. U4093, 12/25
Hickory, North Carolina ZIP Codes include: 28601, 28602, and 28603
